Supported Desktop Operating Systems

The table below summarizes what SAS Computing currently recommends and supports for operating systems. More details regarding some of the issues involved follow. Please also see the information regarding SAS Computing Hardware Support and Desktop Computer Purchasing.

In general, SAS Computing seeks to support the same products that are recommended by ISC.  However, especially where operating systems are concerned, SAS Computing sometimes makes recommendations and decisions regarding support that may differ from those of ISC. Please be aware that these choices are driven both by technical considerations and by the limitations of our staffing levels. We are simply not in a position to be able to support all new operating systems soon after they are released. There are also times when the minimal advantages of a new release simply do not justify expending significant staff time to provide full support, when this time could be better spent on other higher priority support activities.

Please also see our information regarding desktop security.

Last Updated: November 2023

Platform
Version
Recommendation Support Level
Windows     
11 Enterprise For new computers set up by SASC.

Full

10 Enterprise 64-bit For machines which can not run Windows 11.  Full

10 Professional 64-bit For new tablets that come with it.
8 Professional 64-bit Enf of Life (EoL): Upgrade as soon as possible. All Microsoft support ended 1/2023. Upgrade
Mac
14 (Sonoma) New computers. Full 
13 (Ventura) Use only where currently installed
12 (Monterey) Plan to upgrade OS, End of Life 11/2024. Upgrade
11 (Big Sur) End of Life (EoL): Upgrade as soon as possible. Apple Support Ended 11/2023
10.15 (Catalina) End of Life (EoL): Upgrade as soon as possible. Apple Support Ended 10/2022
10.14 (Mojave) End of Life (EoL): Upgrade as soon as possible. Apple Support Ended 10/2021
10.13 (High Sierra) End of Life (EoL): Upgrade as soon as possible. Apple Support Ended 12/2020
Linux
All

Not recommended if SASC support required. (Local support available in some departments.)

None


Explanation of Support Status terms:

  • Full - the standard support for all recommended platforms. SASC staff will have expertise for these platforms and will not limit support for them.
  • Minimal - only minimal efforts will be expended by SAS Computing staff to support this product, and we make no claims to expertise in doing so. If significant effort is required to solve a problem due to the use of the non-recommended product, SASC will generally recommend that the user move to a supported platform or seek support elsewhere. Security configuration of the machine will generally be the user's responsibility, and any initial configuration may be as well.
  • Upgrade - work with SAS Computing LSP to upgrade the OS on this machine. 
  • None - SAS Computing staff will not expend efforts to support this (typically long obsolete or very new) product.

Specific Issues:

Linux

  • Not recommended because unlikely to be adopted by large percentage of those supported by SASC
  • Some support is provided by some LSP's